PK-Sindh Barrages Improvement Project

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The objectives of the Sindh Barrages Improvement Project for Pakistan are to improve the reliability and safety of the Guddu barrage and strengthen the Sindh Irrigation Department’s capacity to operate and manage the barrage. There are three components to the project, the first component being rehabilitation of the Guddu barrage. This component will support rehabilitation of the barrage and its associated structures. The component will finance: concrete repairs along the upstream gate grooves and rehabilitation of both fish ladders; removal of the left pocket dividing wall and construction of a new left pocket dividing wall to widen the left pocket and improve its ability to reduce the quantities of sediment entering the Ghotki feeder canal; and river training works through construction of a left-bank spur to promote favorable river approach conditions to the barrage and strengthen the upstream existing river training works. The second component is the improved barrage operation. This component will support the establishment of the BMO and modernization and improvements to the barrage O&M. Institutionally this will include undertaking a study to design the BMO structure, defining roles and responsibilities, and moving towards a more service oriented culture. Technically the Bank will finance necessary upgrades to the monitoring instrumentation, such as piezometers, gate positioning and water measurement equipment, replacement of surveillance and maintenance boats, and procurement of hydrographic equipment. The project will support workshops and provide a stock of spare parts, for use in maintenance activities. The instrument monitoring system for the barrage will be renovated, and the operations staff will be equipped with an updated operation, maintenance, and surveillance manual. Finally, the third component is the project management, monitoring, and evaluation. This component will support the coordination of all project-related activities as well as training and technical assistance in procurement, financial, social and environmental safeguards, and communication. This component will also finance the independent Panel of Experts (POE), who will review, monitor, evaluate, and help guide the rehabilitation process with regards to the safety of the barrage.